SIXTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. (Hansard, 15 August 1913)

HC Deb 15 August 1913 vol 56 cc3209-74 3209

§ Bill further considered.

§ Mr. BOOTH
On a point of Order. I do not rise with the object of challenging what was done, but perhaps you will be kind enough, Mr. Chairman, to explain to the Committee as to what happened on Friday. A Resolution was then passed in dumb show that this Committee should sit on Monday, notwithstanding the sitting of the House.

§ Mr. FORSTER
It was decided to ask for leave.

§ Mr. BOOTH
It was decided that Wu should sit on Monday.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS
It was decided to ask for leave.

§ Mr. BOOTH
Hon. Members may say that, but I have verified it at the Table, and I do not think they should interrupt me. The Resolution passed on Friday was that we should sit here on Monday, notwithstanding the sitting of the House. Asking for leave is another matter. I submit that the proper thing is that each day we should do what is contemplated by Rule 47. Each day the Committee, just before, a quarter to three, should decide whether it will go on, otherwise, as on Friday, Members who do not intend to come on Monday at all, vote upon the Resolution that you should sit notwithstanding the sitting of the House. I do not think that ought to be fixed before we know what is the business.

§ The CHAIRMAN
Will the hon. Member kindly address himself to the point of Order.

§ Mr. BOOTH
Yes, Sir, and what I submit is that we ought to decide each day, because on Friday we do not know what the business of the House will be on Monday, and therefore the Committee should have the right on each day to decide whether it 3210 will go on sitting notwithstanding the sitting of the House.

§ The CHAIRMAN
I think the hon. Member will see that we were perfectly in order. The Resolution, which was taken in very full Committee on Friday morning, was as follows—and the Committee will remember that I interrupted business to take it when the hon. Member came in from the House to say that it was necessary: "That the Committee do continue to sit on Monday next notwithstanding the sitting of the House." Then the House authorised us to sit after four o'clock on Monday under Standing Order 47, which I will read: "And the said Committee shall not sit while the House is sitting after four o'clock without an Order of the House." It says nothing about the day it should sit. It does not limit it. It does not say 2.30, 3.30, or any time. My interpretation of the rule is also strengthened by this paragraph:— In the case of a Committee desiring to meet on Friday at 12 o'clock, or later, the Resolution authorising them to do so shall be moved at the previous Sitting.

§ Mr. BOOTH
That is only for Friday. I submit that Friday is always treated under the Standing Order. There is always a special reference to Friday, and I submit with all deference that it is not given over a week-end. There may be a totally different body of Members on the Friday to those attending on the Monday.